Tasting NotesJanuary 19, 2010 - Over the years, we have made some small changes in our effort to make the best possible Zinfandel in Napa Valley. We know that we are there with our 2008. This is a well-crafted wine that shows the true character of the variety. We start in the Rutherford AVA on my parent’s property known as Rutherford Dust Vineyard #1, an area that is known more for Cabernet Sauvignon because of the rocky soils. My dad and I originally planted Zinfandel back in 1971 on this property and it was the complete source of our Zinfandel fruit in the 2002, 2003 and 2004 bottlings. Eventually the home ranch needed to be replanted, so we removed the AXR1 rootstock vines over a four-year period. The replanting allowed the addition of three acres of Petite Syrah next to the seven acres of Zinfandel and the selected clones for each variety have been in the family for generations. Starting with this 2008 Zinfandel, we are “back home”- 100% from our Rutherford Dust Vineyard and 100% certified organically grown by CCOF and USDA.

The winemaking has evolved as well. My very talented winemakers, Gove and Kelly, have handcrafted the Zinfandel over the years starting with the 2002. The amount of new oak and the percentage of Petite Syrah were experimented with until we found the perfect combination. This is the first product bottled at the winery after CCOF certified the facility as an organic processor – the first on Howell Mountain! We proudly present our next vintage of Rutherford Dust Zinfandel.

In this very true to character Zinfandel, you’ll find lovely aromas of raspberry liqueur, sweet vanilla oak, and spices coming up from the wine to attract your attention. The wine is full of beautiful fruit: cherry candy, pomegranate and raspberry. The brambly fruit tones combined with the hints of pepper, spice and white chocolate provide complex layers of flavor as the acidity and tannin create a firm but pleasant structure (a result of the co-fermenting with a touch of Petite Syrah).